EXPANDING INTO AFRICA

1 in 10 business who expect growth in the next two years are considering expanding outside South Africa - growing to almost 1 in 5 Commercial customers.

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

1 in 10 business who expect growth in the next two years are considering expanding outside South Africa - growing to almost 1 in 5 Commercial customers.

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

1% considering North Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

1% considering North Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

14% considering Global Regions outside of Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

14% considering Global Regions outside of Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

30% considering West Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

30% considering West Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

37% considering East Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

37% considering East Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

48% considering Southern Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

48% considering Southern Africa

Standard Bank Fact Sheet

About Nikiwe Bikitsha

Follow Nikiwe

Nikiwe Bikitsha is one of South Africa’s leading journalists and broadcasters. She’s enjoyed an illustrious 20-year career as one of the most trusted news and current affairs presenters and talk show hosts in radio and television.

She’s worked for broadcasters like Primedia, SABC and eNCA.

Previous awards include the Sanlam financial journalism award in the TV category in 2010
Women in media rising star in 2006
Mondi creative writing category for her column in the Mail & Guardian in 2010

Nikiwe is also a highly sought after Programme director of events and moderator of panel discussions.

She’s passionate about Africa’s economic development and believes that women should be at the forefront of these efforts.
To that end, she’s the co-founder of Amargi Media, a content company which aims to tell African stories in a compelling way.
Nikiwe holds a B.A honours degree in Journalism and media studies from Wits University and is completing her M.A at the same institution.
She’s a previous recipient of the Fulbright Hubert Humphrey fellowship to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in the U.S 2012 - 2013

TECHNOLOGY

There has been an increased interest in improving the telecommunications infrastructure. The Zambian government entered into a partnership with Huawei Technologies to deploy 169 cell towers in underserved areas to sustain its rural expansion strategy.

Improving Internet connectivity will play an important role in economic development and business processes in Zambia over the medium-term.

Standard Bank, Zambia Fact Sheet 2016

POLITICAL/LEGAL

Zambia has a mixed legal system of English common law and customary law.

President Edgar Lungu was elected on 25 January 2015, following the death of former president Michael Sata in office. Under Zambia’s constitution, President Lungu was only eligible to serve the remainder of Sata’s election term until the next general election. He was re-elected to a full five-year term at the 2016 general election.

Standard Bank, Zambia Fact Sheet 2016

ENVIRONMENT

The El Niño weather phenomenon has brought about below-average rainfall and drought. This has affected the availability of water, which is critical for hydroelectricity generation.

Environmental issues include air pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, desertification and lack of adequate water treatment which presents human health risks.

Standard Bank, Zambia Fact Sheet 2016

OPPORTUNITIES

Zambia is economically open, with low levels of governmental red tape.
This significantly enhances the attractiveness of its business environment.
Companies operating in Zambia will encounter a favourable tax regime, with various incentives and international agreements lowering the cost of doing business.

Setting up a business is a straightforward process, and the cost of construction permits is low.

Zambia offers one of the most competitive crime and security environments in sub-Saharan Africa.
Businesses and foreign workers in Zambia benefit from a safer environment than in most other sub-Saharan Africa countries, with lower crime rates, a negligible threat from domestic or international terrorism and a secure strategic environment.

Standard Bank, Zambia Fact Sheet 2016

CHALLENGES

Businesses face the highest degree of operational risk from Zambia’s logistics capabilities.
Zambia is a landlocked country with high trading costs because of its lack of a coastline.
Other threats include the rising road congestion, high energy costs and the limited availability of utilities.
The poor transport infrastructure makes trade costly and time consuming.

Low levels of Internet penetration damage Zambia’s attractiveness to investors, as Internet access is critical to international business.
The e-commerce market is relatively new, so companies would need to rely on alternative channels for marketing and financial transactions.

The new mineral royalty tax regime could result in the closure of less profitable mines.
This will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and of additional foreign investment.

TECHNOLOGY

Internet and broadband access are limited in Nigeria, as there is limited access to high-speed data services.

Largest mobile market in Africa with mobile phones as the primary form of Internet access in the country.

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

POLITICAL/LEGAL

President: Mr. Muhammadu Buhari

Ruling party: All Progressive Congress formed in 2013

Three distinct systems of law: Common law, Customary law and Sharia law

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

ENVIRONMENT

* Major environmental issues

- Oil spills

- Theft and sabotage through oil siphoning

- Rapid urbanisation and waste management

- Rapid deforestation and soil degradation

- Climate change and global warming

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES

The economic value of agriculture - 22% of the Nigeria’s economy - could double in value from US$112 billion a year in 2013 to US$263 billion a year by 2030

The rapid growth in the number of consuming households will be the main driver of growth in the trade sector. Consumption could more than triple because of the expansion of the middle class. It could rise to almost US$1.4 trillion a year in 2030, an annual increase of about 8%, which will make the trade sector the largest in the Nigerian economy

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES

Setting up a business is a straightforward process, and the cost of construction permits is low.

The trade sector will provide opportunities for makers of packaged foods and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), such as paper goods which could grow by more than 10 percent a year

Nigeria is the largest mobile phone market in Africa. Mobile phones are the main form of Internet access in the country. This could create opportunities for new, mobile-compatible IT solutions.

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

CHALLENGES

The poor state of infrastructure, especially power generation capacity, telecommunications and the logistics network, is regarded as a threat to business operations and costs

The deteriorating domestic security situation, characterised by criminal and frequent terrorist attacks (from groups such as Boko Haram), and severe fuel shortages as a result of theft and sabotage also threaten business

Limited Internet and broadband access

The country has one of the highest costs for acquiring construction permits

NIGERIA FACT SHEET 2016 – STANDARD BANK

CHALLENGES

Endemic corruption in both the public and private sector, which is tied to the weak rule of law, complicated government bureaucracy and deters foreign direct investment. This increases the risk of higher costs for incoming businesses

Limitation on the number of international workers that can be employed by businesses due to an expatriate quota

Nigerian businesses can have very poor payment policies and money/debt collection can be difficult.

POLITICAL/LEGAL

OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT

121 exploration and appraisal wells drilled to date with a drilling success of 88%.

Production licenses issued in August 2016.

Construction of a refinery (Est. cost of $3.7bn).

Pipeline Construction of $3.5bn. GoT and GoU will have 20% interest.

Over $10bn for upstream development in the next 5-7 years.

National content is being mainstreamed in all projects & activities - 161,700 new jobs to be created.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

POWER AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

$2.5bn has been spent on hydro generation. Another $1.25 billion will need to be spent on transmission and distribution over next 3 years.

Construction of a 1,614km standard gauge railway.

Upgrading of strategic national paved road network from 3,795km to 6,000km.

Construction sector growth in real terms to average 10% over the next 5 years with local champions.

Government of Uganda policy to increase localization (Steel, Cement producers).

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

AGRICULTURE POTENTIAL

Employs 70% of the working population.

Is a priority of the 2016-2020 government. Several risk sharing and incentive schemes being designed to open financing into this sector.

About 40% of the manufacturing sector is involved in agro-processing.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

TOURISM POTENTIAL

Contributes 14.6% of total employment, 11.4% of FCY earnings.

50% of the world’s mountain gorillas.

7% of the world’s mammal species.

11% of the world’s bird species.

2nd largest fresh water lake in the world.

Source of the world’s longest river.

Average growth rate is 15%.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOING BUSINESS

* Fully liberalized economy

Free inflow and out flow of capital.

100% foreign ownership of investment allowed.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOING BUSINESS

* Security of Investment

Guaranteed under the constitution and the investment code.

Uganda is a signatory to major international investment protection agreements like MIGA, OPIC and CREFAA.

* High real GDP Growth

Looking forward, Uganda is expected to grow by over 6% on average for next 10 years. A stark contrast to anaemic OECD growth rates of less than 1%.

Projected to be within the Top 15 fastest growing economies in Africa.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOING BUSINESS

* Remarkable Demographics

70% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 30 years and is expected to grow from a population of 39 million today to 96 million in 2050. It’s one of the fastest growing populations in the world.

* Acute Infrastructure needs

Uganda is a laggard on most measures – electricity consumption per capita, paved road density, broadband penetration; banking penetration; mobile penetration. These are all opportunities in the near term. Estimates are Uganda will need to invest $25bn over the next few years.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOING BUSINESS

* Improvement in Governance

Whilst corruption remains a concern across SSA, its come a long way. In the Heritage Foundation’s 2017 index of economic freedom, out of 180 countries, Uganda ranked 91st freest economy.

* Greater Inter-Regional Trade

Uganda is located at the heart of SSA and today considers Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda and DRC main destination of exports.

Uganda is a member of the EAC and COMESA, both consisting of 133 million and 390 million people respectively.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOING BUSINESS

* Natural Resources

Estimates are that oil reserves are approximately 6.5billion barrels which when exploited will yield double digit growth. Production expected at 130,000 to 180,000 bpd by 2020-2021. A 60,000 bpd refinery also in the works with expected 30% IRR.

* Political Stability

Uganda is a democratic state and has had regular elections over the last 2 decades. The last presidential elections were held in February 2016.

UGANDA FACT SHEET 2017 – STANDARD BANK

Nikiwe in Uganda

UNPACKING MAURITIUS

Sector Contributions to GDP

Agriculture, 4%

Industry, 22,1%

Service, 73,9%

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

SOCIAL

· Population - 1,348,242 (July 2016 est.)

- Mauritius has transitioned from a country of high fertility and high mortality rates in the 1950s and mid-1960s to one with among the lowest population growth rates in the developing world today.

• Languages: - Creole 86.5%, Bhojpuri 5.3%, French 4.1% - followed by a mix of languages including English, the official language of the National Assembly, which is spoken by less than 1% of the population.

POLITICAL/LEGAL

President: - Ameenah Gurib

Mauritius is a democracy with a government elected every five years. The most recent National Assembly Election was held on 10 December 2014 in all the 20 mainland constituencies, and in the constituency covering the island of Rodrigues. Elections have tended to be a contest between two major coalitions of parties.

The 2006–2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Mauritius first in good governance.

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

ECONOMY

Mauritius has achieved steady growth over the last several decades, resulting in more equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure.

MOST ACTIVE SECTORS

The Mauritian government's development strategy centres on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South Africa, and China.

Investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion.

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

POWER SUPPLY

Electrification is provided to the total population - 100% (2016)

Electricity production is estimated at 2.8 billion kWh (2014). Back in 2013 96.5% of energy came from fossil fuels, 3,3% from hydroelectric plants and only 0,2% from other renewable sources

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY

Sugarcane (grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 15% of export earnings), tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIES

Mauritius’ textile sector has taken advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, a preferential trade program that allows duty free access to the US market, with Mauritian exports to the US growing by 40% from 2000 to 2014.

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

DOING BUSINESS IN MAURITIUS

The World Bank ranks economies on their ease of doing business. A high ease of doing business ranking means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm.

Overall ranking for Mauritius: 49 out of 190 countries (2017) - first place in sub-Saharan Africa

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

DOING BUSINESS IN MAURITIUS

Subcategories:

- Starting a business: 48 out of 190 countries

- Enforcing Contracts: 34 out of 190 countries

- Registering Property: 98 out of 190 countries

- Getting Credit: 44 out of 190 countries

- Protecting Minority Investors: 32 out of 190 countries

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

DOING BUSINESS IN MAURITIUS

Subcategories:

- Trading Across Borders: 74 out of 190 countries

- Paying Taxes: 45 out of 190 countries

- Dealing with Construction Permits: 33 out of 190 countries

- Getting Electricity: 110 out of 190 countries

- Resolving Insolvency: 39 out of 190 countries

CIA World Factbook, Mauritius Fact Sheet

Nikiwe in Mauritius

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